Cross-continental journey for Brand New China

They say their journey along the old Silk Road took them through beautiful landscapes, vibrant cultures, bustling towns and a whole lot of nothingness.

Before the trip, Striker spent seven years in China working for an urban planning company and also visited 31 Chinese provinces.

Bikker worked in marketing strategy at a Shanghai company. He previously garnered notice by traveling in 10 Chinese provinces in 10 days in 2010.

They say they have witnessed China changing from the factory of the world to a place where people design innovative products at new types of companies.

In 2010, Bikker did a road trip through China with a friend, passing factories, crossing mountains and sleeping in the car for two weeks.

"This epic trip could only be surpassed by leaving the borders of China. And so the idea for a drive back to Holland originated while driving on the dusty roads of rural Shaanxi province," says Bikker.

"But upon our return, friends and family regarded the idea too crazy to happen, so the dream remained just that: a dream."

Striker also was contemplating adventure. He had thought of walking the Great Wall, cycling back to the Netherlands or following the Yangtze River from its source to the sea. Two years later, they met in a Shanghai bar and shared their dreams.

They then quit their jobs, leaving their girlfriends for three months, and spending the small savings they had on their idea.

By autumn of 2013, the plan was taking shape. They signed sponsors, contacted the media, arranged car documentation, obtained visas and found Chinese people living abroad to visit.